Last week, the Old Azusa Schoolhouse was moved from its old spot in Asuza, California, to a new location in a park just off Route 66 in the city. The historic building was jacked up, placed on a flatbed truck trailer and moved last week to Veterans Freedom Park (map here) in an area the … Continue reading Old Azusa Schoolhouse moved to a park off Route 66
Category: History
Neon lighting glows again at historic Boots Court motel in Carthage
The historic Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, on Wednesday posted a photo of its architectural neon lighting glowing again. It was another sign that renovations on the Route 66 landmark were progressing. On a comment thread with the Facebook post, I asked the motel how it was coming on getting the rest of its … Continue reading Neon lighting glows again at historic Boots Court motel in Carthage
How an incident at Oklahoma Joe’s led to an early civil-rights movement in Albuquerque
A recently posted massive photo archive on the Vintage St. Louis & Route 66 page on Facebook revealed an episode at an Albuquerque restaurant that led to the city imposing an anti-discrimination ordinance years before the U.S. civil-rights movement began in the mid-1950s. One post contained an old postcard of Oklahoma Joe's Genuine Pit Bar-B-Que … Continue reading How an incident at Oklahoma Joe’s led to an early civil-rights movement in Albuquerque
Former University Lodge in Albuquerque reopens as Hotel Zazz boutique lodging
The former University Lodge motel along Route 66 in Albuquerque reopened a few weeks ago after months of renovations -- just in time for the city's fabled Balloon Fiesta -- and has been rechristened as the colorful Hotel Zazz. The Albuquerque Journal recently published a story about Hotel Zazz and owner Sharmin Dharas, who grew … Continue reading Former University Lodge in Albuquerque reopens as Hotel Zazz boutique lodging
Company posts another preview of A. Lincoln Motel neon sign re-creation
Ace Sign Co. of Springfield, Illinois, posted another sneak peek of a re-created sign from the long-gone A. Lincoln Motel that stood on Route 66 in the city. The sign soon will be installed at the Route 66 Experience's Legacy Neon Park at the Illinois State Fair. Ace sign provided another preview last month of … Continue reading Company posts another preview of A. Lincoln Motel neon sign re-creation
State Historical Society of Missouri seeks memorabilia for Route 66’s centennial
Though the start of Route 66's centennial is still more than three years away, the State Historical Society of Missouri has put out an appeal to the public for items to celebrate that event. The society stated in a news release it launched the initiative "focused on preserving the road’s history within the state." Examples … Continue reading State Historical Society of Missouri seeks memorabilia for Route 66’s centennial
New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California
A new informational kiosk recently was added to the Camp Cajon monument site near Phelan, California, that describes the major highways and roads that passed by the long-defunct rest area. Here's a look at the kiosk from the camp's Facebook account: Camp Cajon's champions about a year ago installed a century-old, concrete picnic table at … Continue reading New kiosk added to Camp Cajon monument site in southern California
What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?
Hemmings Motor News published a valuable story with the headline "What's behind the push to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail?" that provides a lot of background behind the initiative. It appears the story was prompted by Mobil 1's current "Keep Route 66 Kickin'" tour, which includes an online petition to support a national-trail … Continue reading What’s the importance of Route 66 Historic Trail legislation?
Nelson gardens to be re-created at Camp Joy cabin in Lebanon
Master gardeners will re-create Col A.T. Nelson's flower gardens at the restored Camp Joy cabin at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri. When he operated the Top o’ the Ozarks Inn and, later, the Nelson Tavern (aka Nelson Hotel) and Nelson’s Dream Village in Lebanon, Nelson lined flowers along the paths near Route 66. Gary Sosniecki … Continue reading Nelson gardens to be re-created at Camp Joy cabin in Lebanon
Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market
The owners of the landmark Skirvin HIlton hotel in downtown Oklahoma City are preparing to put it up for sale, with half of the proceeds likely going back to the city. Marcus Hotels and Resorts joined forces with the city to renovate and reopen the closed, century-old hotel about 15 years ago. Steve Lackmeyer at … Continue reading Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market